Modern integrated vs. vintage...what do I get?

Creek to Rogue to Mac is a wide range in price and quality. With a current amp, you are getting something new with a warntee and new technology, not to say older amps are obsolete. Getting two speaker outputs could be a challeng with the better and more expensive amps. I recently downsized and looked at all integrated options from $4-10,000. In the 5K price range, I can suggest, Modwright (hybrid), Unison S6 (tube)or Unico 50(hybrid) - both are very musical and enagaging, LFD might work well as you have Spendors, and Resolution Audio Cantata C50 (this is a sleeper of an amp). On the used side, a UK made Creek 5350 will offer you two speaker outputs and can hold its own against many current integrateds. I am uncertain how it compares to the new models. You can probably find one in the $750 range and leaves money to update other parts of the your system. Hope this helps.

Thx for all the responses and questions. Yes, looking back at what I wrote there is some contradiction. Its more a matter of form. I started out with the idea a while back that I wanted to try out tubes...which led me to the Rogue. However, home improvements killed that idea off. Subsequent to that my wife resurrected the idea with her spin of get something new so that you dont have to mess with it or mess up your back. I deviated to SS simply because most of my experience is there and I was thinking along the lines of getting something that woudl just allow me to be "done". I DO have an interest in hearing what a tube amp would sound like in my system and how it would work but given the back issues pragmatically I am probably just best getting something that sounds good, get it into place and hopefully not have to move it for a long time. The wide divergence in brands is not as broad as it seems as I was thinking Creek Destiny 2 ($2500), various Rogue (2300-3500) Mac 5200 (4500). The only one of those I have heard is the Mac so my frame of reference is at the very least lacking.

I am going on vacation in a few months so I am hoping to be able to hear some of this stuff down in FL and LA. I appreciate the ideas here especially as my thoughts have not been as clear as one would like. Sort of living on painkillers right now so my brain is actually not clear.

Go with the McIntosh! You can add a speaker AB switch on whatever amp you decide on. I've owned those Spendors and they sound good with Tubes or solid state,you won't go wrong with either!

I'll take a stab at answering your question.

Short version: In general vintage gear has a more blended, homogenous sound (more "musical" maybe). Modern gear presents music better resolved into its distinct parts - bass guitar distinct from bass drum and coming from right center and behind the singer. It can come across as maybe drier, less "musical", but for me was really a matter of getting accustomed to more life-like sound. As to reliability, doubt newer means less. Likewise, new doesn't mean bright.

Longer version: A few months ago I was considering the same thing - keep using an older Mac SS receiver that I enjoyed or try something newer. This was in a second system, so I had the luxury of redundancy and experience of modern sounding equipment in my main system and a chance to try alternatives to the Mac, including tubes (had always been curious but avoided tubes due to the perception (mine) of unreliability).

I have not heard Creek or LSA but did listen to Sim and Rogue integrateds. Even though not with my speakers, the audition was enough to know either would be more enjoyable than the Mac. I wound up with a tube amp and Rogue preamp, bought used here on A'gon. Neither is exactly modern - 10 to 15 years old - but sound better in every way and have been perfectly reliable (9 mo.). I don't miss the Mac but would have trouble choosing between the tube system and my main system that cost 4X more.

I know that doesn't address your concerns about service and logistics in HI. Are there any technicians you'd trust?

Just how modern are you willing to go?

Both HK (990 integrated) and NAD (sorry, don't know the model#) provide digital signal processing of the type usually encountered in AVRs. You'll get internal DACs, active digital x-overs for subs (if you ever choose to employ them), and room correction software. The solid state power amp sections in both are time tested designs (the HK uses a Matti Otala derivative and NAD power amp sections have been generally well regarded for many years).

Used as a traditional stereo integrated, I thought the HK sounded pretty darn good on audition with a pair of large Gallo line source speakers. Adding the DSP and (later) switching to a Gallo sub/sat for further auditioning was very impressive.

Bottom line, the feature set in some modern designs makes it a really apples to oranges kind of deal.